English grammar hints and tips

Stuck with a written English problem? Here are some helpful answers to some of the most common spelling, grammar and language questions.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘the bee’s knees’?

Ever wondered why we say this most odd expression: the bee’s knees?

It all started with another expression, still used today.

The expression ‘the be-all and [the] end-all’, meaning chiefly ‘the central or most important element’ is (like ‘one fell swoop’) a quotation from Macbeth. Macbeth is contemplating killing Duncan: “..that but this blow/Might be the be-all and the end-all…/..We’d jump [ie risk] the life to come.” (Macbeth, I.vii.4ff)

This passage is a well-known one, and the phrase the be-all and [the] end-all has been popular over the years. It is usually found without the second ‘the’.

Though many people are aware that it is a Shakespearean allusion, it is not as common as, say, ‘to be or not to be’ and it is usually used without any special reference to Shakespeare.

After years of use, ‘the be-all and [the] end-all’ became shortened to: the Bs and Es (the be-all and end-all), the Bs being the things which are all and the Es being those things which end all.

As this was said, over time (if you repeat this fast, you will see), it sounds like ‘the bee’s knees’.

So, something which had nothing to do with the little insects is now lost from its original – but now… you know!